“Having previously battled the London2Brighton Challenge and Thames Bridges Walk I’m no stranger to a long trek, so when the Saharan Challenge popped up on a social media site I knew I had to get involved.

The Saharan Challenge is a gruelling 52-mile organised endurance trek across Morocco, spanning two days in October and ending on the edge of the desert dunes. It will be hot, painful and very emotional.

Training has already begun; weekly cardio classes and regular walks, and in May I will be doing the 2nd leg (27 miles) of the London2Brighton Challenge. Training will intensify as the months close in. It’s both an exciting yet daunting prospect, but I’m spurred on by the support of those around me and by my decision to raise funds and awareness for the Colostomy Association.

Six years ago someone close to me was taken suddenly and seriously ill. After weeks of relying on life support, they thankfully recovered, but then had to make the life-altering adaptation of living with a stoma.
It must have been an extremely difficult thing to cope with, but was tackled with bravery and pragmatism. Without the support of the Colostomy Association (and our incredible NHS), the journey would no doubt have been even harder for that person than it has already been. It is such a vital service that the charity provides for colostomites and their families, both physically and emotionally.

Please help me give something back by sponsoring me via my JustGiving page, or by sharing it with others.”